U.S. patent application number 15/583735 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-17 for steering spindle repair kit and associated apparatus and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Stemco LP. Invention is credited to Paul M. Buda, Bill Chirrey, Paul Dolan, Eric Downing.
Application Number | 20170232528 15/583735 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58778392 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170232528 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dolan; Paul ; et
al. |
August 17, 2017 |
STEERING SPINDLE REPAIR KIT AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUS AND
METHODS
Abstract
A spindle repair kit including a pair of alignment mandrels
positionable in a respective spindle bore of a steering spindle. An
alignment rod is operative to retain the mandrels in their
respective spindle bores. The kit can also include a first clamp
member and a second clamp member, each being positionable between
the spindle bores. The kit includes a drill fixture including a
drill mounting surface and a bearing fixture including a bearing
aperture sized to receive the alignment rod. Fasteners clamp the
drill fixture and first clamp member to the first spindle bore and
clamp the bearing holder and second clamp member to the second
spindle bore. The kit includes an arbor connectable to a drill and
a reamer, wherein the arbor is sized to position the reamer in the
first spindle bore.
Inventors: |
Dolan; Paul; (Clio, MI)
; Buda; Paul M.; (Bay City, MI) ; Downing;
Eric; (Bay City, MI) ; Chirrey; Bill;
(Thornhill, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Stemco LP |
Longview |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58778392 |
Appl. No.: |
15/583735 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14491475 |
Sep 19, 2014 |
9669501 |
|
|
15583735 |
|
|
|
|
61881295 |
Sep 23, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
408/1R |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23B 41/12 20130101;
Y10T 408/553 20150115; B23B 47/28 20130101; B23B 2247/12 20130101;
B23P 19/04 20130101; Y10T 408/39 20150115; B23P 19/12 20130101;
Y10T 29/49721 20150115; B23P 6/00 20130101; B62D 7/18 20130101;
B23Q 17/2275 20130101; B23B 2247/14 20130101; Y10T 29/49723
20150115; B23B 2247/08 20130101; Y10T 408/558 20150115; Y10T
29/49726 20150115 |
International
Class: |
B23B 47/28 20060101
B23B047/28 |
Claims
1-16. (canceled)
17. A method for repairing a spindle having first and second
spindle bores, the method comprising: positioning an alignment
mandrel in each of the first and second spindle bores; temporarily
retaining the alignment mandrels in their respective spindle bores;
positioning an alignment aperture of a drill fixture about one of
the mandrels and retaining the drill fixture in position with
respect to the spindle; removing the mandrels from the first and
second spindle bores; connecting a reamer to a drill; mounting the
drill to the drill fixture while aligning the reamer with the
alignment aperture; and operating the drill to repair at least one
of the first and second spindle bores.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising positioning a
bearing aperture of a bearing fixture about one of the mandrels and
retaining the bearing fixture in position with respect to the
spindle.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising connecting the
reamer to the drill with an arbor.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising mounting a bearing
in the bearing aperture, inserting an arbor shaft through the
bearing, and attaching the arbor shaft to the arbor.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising installing an arbor
extension between the drill and arbor and operating the drill to
repair the second spindle bore.
22. The method of claim 17, further comprising piloting the reamer
in relation to both the first and second spindle bores.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the reamer is piloted with
respect to the first spindle bore with an alignment bushing
disposed in the alignment aperture of the drill fixture and the
reamer is piloted with respect to the second spindle bore by a
bearing positioned concentric to the second bore and a shaft
extending away from the reamer and through the bearing.
24-36. (canceled)
37. A method for repairing a spindle having first and second
spindle bores, the method comprising: positioning an alignment
mandrel in each of the first and second spindle bores; temporarily
retaining the alignment mandrels in their respective spindle bores
with an alignment rod; positioning an alignment aperture of a
bearing fixture about the alignment rod and retaining the bearing
fixture in position with respect to the spindle; retaining a drill
fixture in position with respect to the spindle; mounting a drill
to the drill fixture while aligning the drill with the alignment
rod; removing the mandrels and the alignment rod from the first and
second spindle bores; connecting a reamer to the drill; and
operating the drill to repair at least one of the first and second
spindle bores.
38. The method of claim 37, further comprising connecting the
reamer to the drill with an arbor.
39. The method of claim 37, further comprising connecting the
reamer to the drill with a drill rod.
40. The method of claim 39, further comprising positioning the
drill rod in the alignment aperture.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/491,475, filed Sep. 19, 2014, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/881,295,
filed Sep. 23, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present technology is generally directed to automotive
repair equipment. More specifically, embodiments are directed to
steering spindle bore repair kits, associated apparatus, and
methods.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Although a kingpin type steering system is a rugged design
that is used on heavy trucks such as semi-tractor trailers, the
upper and lower spindle bores are susceptible to wear and may
become obround or oversized. Distortion of the spindle bores may
cause the steering system to develop unwanted play resulting in
loss of steering control and difficulty maintaining wheel
alignment.
[0004] Spindle bores may be repaired by machining both the upper
and lower bores to accommodate oversized bushings. However,
traditional spindle repair techniques entail disassembling the
spindle from the vehicle and sending the spindle away to a machine
shop, or machining the spindle in house. At the machine shop, the
spindle is mounted in a conventional mill. In order to ensure
proper alignment between the spindle bores and the mill, it is
necessary to index both the upper and lower bores and adjust the
spindle's position so that it is mounted accurately. Properly
indexing a spindle on a mill requires specialized personnel and
equipment. This traditional approach is both expensive and time
consuming, especially when considering the time necessary to ship
or transport the spindle to a machine shop.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a steering spindle repair
kit and methods that allow for spindle repair in the field. There
is a further need for a repair kit that allows for proper alignment
with the spindle bores without specialized personnel and
equipment.
SUMMARY
[0006] Disclosed herein are spindle repair kits and associated
apparatus and methods for repairing steering spindles having first
and second bores that are concentric to each other. In a
representative embodiment, a spindle repair kit comprises a pair of
alignment mandrels, each of which is positionable in a respective
one of a steering spindle's first and second spindle bores. An
elongate alignment rod is connectable to the alignment mandrels and
is operative to retain the mandrels in their respective spindle
bores. A first clamp member is positionable between the spindle
bores, and a drill fixture including an alignment aperture fits
over one of the alignment mandrels. The drill fixture can include
an aperture sized to fit over the mandrel. The drill fixture can
also include a drill mounting surface for mounting a magnetic drill
press, or the like. The kit can also include a first plurality of
fasteners for clamping the drill fixture and first clamp member to
the first spindle bore.
[0007] In one aspect of the disclosed technology, the kit can
further comprise instructions including information at least
partially related to the use of the alignment mandrels. In other
aspects of the technology, the kit can include a drill mountable to
the drill mounting surface, such as a magnetic drill press. In
further aspects of the technology, the kit can include an arbor
that includes a first end portion connectable to a drill and a
second end portion connectable to a reamer.
[0008] In another representative embodiment, the kit can further
include a second clamp member positionable between the spindle
bores, and a bearing fixture including a bearing aperture sized to
receive an alignment mandrel. The kit can also include a second
plurality of fasteners for clamping the bearing holder and second
clamp member to the second spindle bore. The kit can further
include a bearing positionable in the bearing aperture and an arbor
shaft connectable to the second end portion of the arbor, the arbor
shaft being sized to extend through the bearing. In some
embodiments, the kit can include an arbor extension that is
positionable between the drill and arbor and sized to position the
reamer in the second spindle bore.
[0009] In a further representative embodiment, a spindle repair kit
includes a pair of alignment mandrels, each of which includes a
frustoconical portion positionable in a respective one of first and
second spindle bores of a steering spindle. An elongate alignment
rod is extendable through the alignment mandrels and is operative
to retain the mandrels in their respective spindle bores. The kit
can also include a first clamp member and a second clamp member,
each being positionable between the spindle bores of the spindle.
The kit includes a drill fixture including a drill mounting surface
and an alignment aperture sized to receive an alignment mandrel,
and a bearing fixture including a bearing aperture sized to receive
an alignment mandrel. A first plurality of fasteners clamp the
drill fixture and first clamp member to the first spindle bore and
a second plurality of fasteners clamp the bearing holder and second
clamp member to the second spindle bore. The kit includes an arbor
including a first end portion connectable to a drill and a second
end portion connectable to a reamer, wherein the arbor is sized to
position the reamer in the first spindle bore. The kit also
includes a bearing positionable in the bearing aperture and an
arbor shaft connectable to the second end portion of the arbor and
sized to extend through the bearing. An arbor extension is
positionable between the drill and arbor and is sized to position
the reamer in the second spindle bore.
[0010] In one aspect of the disclosed technology, the kit can
further comprise instructions including information at least
partially related to the use of the alignment mandrels, drill
fixture, bearing fixture, and arbor extension. In other aspects of
the technology the kit can include a bearing holder that is
positionable in the bearing aperture wherein the bearing is
retained in the bearing holder. In further aspects of the
technology, the kit can include an alignment bushing that is
positionable around the reamer and within the alignment aperture.
In some embodiments, the second end portion of the arbor can
include female threads and the arbor extension can include a mating
male threaded portion.
[0011] In another representative embodiment, a spindle repair kit
comprises a pair of alignment mandrels, each positionable in a
respective one of the first and second spindle bores. An elongate
alignment rod is connectable to the alignment mandrels and
operative to retain the mandrels in their respective spindle bores.
A first clamp member is positionable between the spindle bores. The
kit can also include a drill fixture including a drill mounting
surface and a bearing fixture including a bearing aperture sized to
receive the elongate alignment rod. A first plurality of fasteners
are capable of clamping the drill fixture and first clamp member to
the first spindle bore and a second clamp member is positionable
between the spindle bores.
[0012] In a still further representative embodiment, a spindle
repair kit comprises a pair of alignment mandrels, each including a
frustoconical portion positionable in a respective one of the first
and second spindle bores and an elongate alignment rod extendable
through the alignment mandrels and operative to retain the mandrels
in their respective spindle bores. A first clamp member and a
second clamp member, are each positionable between the spindle
bores. The kit can include a drill fixture including a drill
mounting surface and a bearing fixture including a bearing aperture
and a bearing positionable in the bearing aperture. A first
plurality of fasteners is capable of clamping the drill fixture and
first clamp member to the first spindle bore and a second plurality
of fasteners is capable of clamping the bearing holder and second
clamp member to the second spindle bore. A drill rod is provided
that includes a first end portion connectable to a drill and a
second end portion extendable through the bearing, wherein a reamer
can be selectively positioned between the first end portion and
second end portion. In some embodiments, the kit further comprises
an upper bearing fixture attachable to the drill fixture.
[0013] Also described herein are methods for repairing a spindle
having first and second spindle bores. In a representative
embodiment, the method comprises positioning an alignment mandrel
in each of the first and second spindle bores; temporarily
retaining the alignment mandrels in their respective spindle bores;
positioning an alignment aperture of a drill fixture about one of
the mandrels and retaining the drill fixture in position with
respect to the spindle; removing the mandrels from the first and
second spindle bores; connecting a reamer to a drill; mounting the
drill to the drill fixture while aligning the reamer with the
alignment aperture; and operating the drill to repair at least one
of the first and second spindle bores. In some embodiments the
method can include piloting the reamer in relation to both the
first and second spindle bores. In an embodiment, the reamer is
piloted with respect to the first spindle bore with an alignment
bushing disposed in the alignment aperture of the drill fixture and
the reamer is piloted with respect to the second spindle bore by a
bearing positioned concentric to the second bore and a shaft
extending away from the reamer and through the bearing.
[0014] In one aspect of the disclosed technology, the method can
further include positioning a bearing aperture of a bearing fixture
about one of the mandrels and retaining the bearing fixture in
position with respect to the spindle. In another aspect of the
disclosed technology, the method can include connecting the reamer
to the drill with an arbor. The method can also include mounting a
bearing in the bearing aperture, inserting an arbor shaft through
the bearing, and attaching the arbor shaft to the arbor. In other
aspects of the technology the method can include installing an
arbor extension between the drill and arbor and operating the drill
to repair the second spindle bore.
[0015] In another embodiment, the method comprises positioning an
alignment mandrel in each of the first and second spindle bores.
The alignment mandrels are temporarily retained in their respective
spindle bores with an alignment rod. An alignment aperture of a
bearing fixture is positioned about the alignment rod and retaining
the bearing fixture in position with respect to the spindle. A
drill fixture is retained in position with respect to the spindle.
A drill is mounted to the drill fixture while aligning the drill
with the alignment rod. The mandrels and the alignment rod are
subsequently removed from the first and second spindle bores. A
reamer is connected to the drill and the drill is operated to
repair at least one of the first and second spindle bores. In some
embodiments, the method further comprises connecting the reamer to
the drill with an arbor or a drill rod, for example. In some
embodiments, the method further comprises positioning the drill rod
in the alignment aperture.
[0016] These and other aspects of the disclosed technology will be
apparent after consideration of the Detailed Description and
figures herein. It is to be understood, however, that the scope of
the invention shall be determined by the claims as issued and not
by whether given subject matter addresses any or all issues noted
in the background or includes any features or aspects recited in
this summary.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the kits,
apparatus, and methods, including the preferred embodiment, are
described with reference to the following figures, wherein like
reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views
unless otherwise specified.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art steering
spindle;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a steering spindle fitted
with alignment mandrels according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a steering spindle with a
drill fixture and a bearing fixture installed;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the steering
spindle shown in FIG. 3 with the drill fixture and bearing fixture
attached thereto;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the steering spindle and
alignment fixtures attached thereto with the alignment mandrels
removed;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the steering spindle and
repair kit configured for repairing the upper spindle bore;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the repair
kit configuration shown in FIG. 6;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the repair kit configured to
repair the lower spindle bore of the steering spindle;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the repair
kit configuration shown in FIG. 8;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another prior art steering
spindle;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a steering spindle fitted
with an alignment mandrel arrangement according to another
exemplary embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a mandrel shown in FIG.
11;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a side view in elevation of the steering spindle
shown in FIG. 11 with the drill fixture and bearing fixture
attached thereto;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the steering spindle shown
in FIG. 13;
[0032] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the lower bearing
fixture shown in FIGS. 13 and 14;
[0033] FIG. 16 is a side view in elevation of the steering spindle
shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 with the mandrels and alignment rod
removed and replaced by an arbor shaft;
[0034] FIG. 17 is a side view in elevation of a repair kit
according to a still further exemplary embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 18 is a side view in elevation of the repair kit shown
in FIG. 21 configured to repair the lower spindle bore;
[0036] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the steering spindle fitted
with an alignment fixture according to a further exemplary
embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the steering spindle and
repair kit configured for repairing the upper spindle bore;
[0038] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the steering spindle and
repair kit configured for repairing the lower spindle bore; and
[0039] FIG. 22 is a partial side view illustrating the reamer and
collars positioned for machining the lower spindle bore.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] Disclosed herein are spindle repair kits and associated
apparatus and methods for repairing steering spindles having first
and second (e.g., upper and lower) bores that are concentric to
each other. Specific details of several embodiments of the
technology are described below with reference to FIGS. 1-22. Other
details describing well-known structures and systems often
associated with steering systems have not been set forth in the
following disclosure to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the
description of the various embodiments of the technology. Many of
the details, dimensions, angles, and other features shown in the
figures are merely illustrative of particular embodiments of the
technology. Accordingly, other embodiments can have other details,
dimensions, angles, and features without departing from the spirit
or scope of the present technology. A person of ordinary skill in
the art, therefore, will accordingly understand that the technology
may have other embodiments with additional elements, or the
technology may have other embodiments without several of the
features shown and described below with reference to FIGS.
1-22.
[0041] FIG. 1 is illustrative of a typical prior art kingpin type
steering spindle 10. A steering spindle may also be referred to as
a steering knuckle or simply a spindle. Steering spindle 10
includes a wheel spindle or axle 12 to which a wheel and brake
rotor or brake drum (not shown) is attached. Wheel spindle 12 is
connected to upper and lower spindle arms 14 and 16, respectively.
Each spindle arm includes a spindle bore. For example, upper
spindle arm 14 includes upper spindle bore 18 and lower spindle arm
16 includes lower spindle bore 20. The steering spindle 10 attaches
to an axle (not shown) with a kingpin (not shown) that extends
through the upper and lower spindle bores 18 and 20. Accordingly,
the upper and lower spindle bores 18 and 20 are concentric to each
other. Although a kingpin type steering system is a rugged design,
which is used on heavy trucks such as heavy-duty pick-up trucks and
semi-tractor trailers, the upper and lower spindle bores 18 and 20
are susceptible to wear and may become obround or oversized such
that the steering system develops unwanted play. As known in the
art, steering spindle 10 may also include a steering arm (not
shown) which attaches to associated tie rods for steering
control.
[0042] Once the spindle bores 18 and 20 have worn, it is desirable
to repair the bores such that bushings may be fitted into the
bores, thereby restoring the proper clearances between the bores
and the kingpin. In repairing the upper and lower spindle bores 18
and 20, it is necessary to maintain the concentricity of the bores
with respect to each other. Accordingly, it is necessary to
maintain proper alignment of any repair tool used to resurface the
inside surfaces of the upper and lower bores. Disclosed herein is a
spindle repair kit which maintains alignment between the bores. The
disclosed apparatus and methods may be implemented in the field
without sending the parts away for specialized machining. With
reference to FIG. 2, a pair of alignment mandrels (100, 102) are
positioned in the upper and lower spindle bores 18 and 20,
respectively. Mandrels 100 and 102 are retained in the spindle
bores by an alignment rod 104 that is operative to retain the
mandrels in their respective bores. In this embodiment, the
alignment rod is a threaded rod which is secured to the mandrels
(100, 102) by a pair of threaded nuts 106. A pair of clamping
members 108 and 110 are positioned between the upper and lower
spindle arms 14 and 16. As shown in the figure, the alignment rod
104 extends through apertures 132, 134 (see FIG. 4) formed through
clamp plates 110 and 108, respectively. In this embodiment, the
clamping members 108 and 110 are in the form of plates. The
components of the kits may be constructed of any suitable material,
such as steel and/or aluminum, for example.
[0043] With further reference to FIG. 3, a drill fixture 112 is
positioned over alignment mandrel 100. Drill fixture 112 includes
an alignment aperture 118 sized to fit closely with the outer
diameter of alignment mandrel 100. Drill fixture 112 is secured to
the upper spindle arm 14 with a plurality of fasteners 120 which
extend through clamp member 108 and thread into mating threaded
holes 124 formed through the drill fixture. Accordingly, clamp
member 108 includes a plurality of through holes 122 to accept
fasteners 120. In this embodiment, fasteners 120 may be cap screws,
which thread into threaded bores 124. However, in other
embodiments, the fasteners 120 can extend through drill fixture 112
and mate with nuts. Drill fixture 112 may also include other bolt
hole patterns, such as threaded holes 126, in order to accommodate
different sized clamping members for repairing different sized
spindles. Furthermore, the through holes and threaded holes may be
reversed between the clamp members and fixtures. Drill fixture 112
also includes a drill mounting surface 116, which serves as a
platform for attaching a drill.
[0044] FIG. 3 also illustrates a bearing fixture 114, which is
clamped about the lower spindle bore 20. Bearing fixture 114
includes a bearing aperture 136, sized to receive alignment mandrel
102 therethrough. Similar to drill fixture 112, the bearing fixture
114 is clamped to the lower spindle arm 16 by a plurality of
fasteners 128 which extend through holes 131 formed through clamp
member 110 and screw into threaded holes 130.
[0045] As may be best appreciated with reference to FIG. 4, the
drill fixture 112 and bearing fixture 114 are positioned concentric
to the upper and lower spindle bores 18 and 20 by alignment
mandrels 100 and 102. In some embodiments, the alignment mandrels
100 and 102 include a frustoconical portion which self-aligns with
the bore diameter of the spindle bores. For example, alignment
mandrel 100 includes a frustoconical portion 101 and alignment
mandrel 102 includes a frustoconical portion 103. It can be
appreciated that the frustoconical portion is compatible with
different sized spindle bores such that the disclosed spindle bore
repair kit may be used with different steering spindle
applications. Also shown in FIG. 4, each alignment mandrel 100, 102
includes a through bore 105 and 107, respectively, which receives
the threaded alignment rod 104 for securing the alignment mandrels
in the spindle bores.
[0046] Once the drill fixture 112 and bearing fixture 114 are
clamped in position about the upper and lower spindle arms, the
alignment mandrels 100, 102 and alignment rod 104 may be removed
from the assembly as shown in FIG. 5. With the alignment mandrels
removed, a drill press may be aligned with the alignment aperture
118 such that the spindle bores may be machined. With further
reference to FIG. 6, drill press 138 is attached to the drill
mounting surface 116 while aligning the drill chuck 142 with the
alignment aperture 118. Drill press 138 may be a magnetic drill
press which has a magnetic base 140 that can be positioned on
surface 116 and then locked in place by activating the base's
magnet. Drill chuck 142 receives an arbor 144, which in turn holds
a reamer 146 that is operative to refinish the spindle bores. In
this embodiment, the reamer 146 is a shell reamer as is known in
the art. An alignment bushing 148 is positioned in the alignment
aperture 118 and around shell reamer 146 in order to facilitate
alignment of the drill press with the alignment aperture 118. Once
the drill press 138 is properly aligned and attached to the drill
fixture 112 the alignment bushing 148 may be removed from the
alignment aperture 118.
[0047] FIG. 7 shows the repair kit configured to machine the upper
spindle bore 18. Arbor 144 may be a conventional arbor used with
machine tools; however, in this embodiment, arbor 144 has been
modified with the addition of female threads 152, which are
configured to receive a mating male threaded portion 154 of an
arbor shaft 150. Thus, arbor 144 includes a first end portion
connectable to drill chuck 142 and a second end portion connectable
to reamer 146 and arbor shaft 150. Arbor shaft 150 extends from the
arbor 144 through a bearing 162, which is housed in a bearing
insert 160 that is sized to fit into the bearing aperture 136.
Bearing insert 160 is retained in the bearing aperture with a pair
of set screws 164, which are threaded into mating female threaded
holes 166. It can be appreciated that arbor shaft 150 helps
maintain reamer 146 concentric to both the upper and lower bearing
bores. Once the upper bearing bore or spindle bore is machined, the
spindle repair kit may be reconfigured to extend the reamer 146
away from drill chuck 142 such that the second spindle bore may be
machined. FIG. 8 illustrates the kit configured to machine the
lower spindle bore 20. With further reference to FIG. 9, it can be
appreciated that an arbor extension 170 is positioned between the
drill chuck 142 and arbor 144, thereby extending the reamer 146
into the lower spindle bore 20. As shown, the arbor shaft 150 is
still engaged by bearing 162, thereby helping to maintain the
reamer in concentric alignment with the upper and lower bores, and
helping prevent deflection of the reamer.
[0048] In an embodiment, the spindle bore repair kit includes the
alignment mandrels 100, 102, an alignment rod 104, the necessary
nuts and screws for clamping the drill fixture 112, bearing fixture
114 and clamping members 108, 110 together. The kit can also
include the alignment bushing 148, modified arbor 144, bearing
insert 160 as well as bearing 162, and set screws 164. The kit can
also include the arbor shaft 150 for connection to arbor 144. In
other embodiments, the kit will also include an appropriately sized
reamer 146, and appropriately sized spindle bushings. In still
further embodiments the kit may also include a drill press such as
magnetic drill press 138 described above.
[0049] Although the spindle repair kit is described above with
respect to machining both the upper and lower spindle bores and
using both the drill fixture and bearing fixture, certain
embodiments may include a subset of the described kit components.
For example, in an embodiment, the spindle bore repair kit includes
a drill fixture, one clamp member, alignment mandrels, and a
connecting rod. Furthermore, some embodiments may include
instructions including information at least partially related to
the use of the alignment mandrels. In other embodiments, the
instructions include information relating to the alignment
mandrels, drill fixture, bearing fixture, and arbor extension.
[0050] In light of the above described spindle bore repair kit, a
damaged steering spindle 10 may be repaired by first removing the
spindle from the vehicle. Once the spindle is removed from the
vehicle, the spindle 10 is clamped in a vice, for example, about
wheel spindle 12, thereby firmly holding the spindle 10 in place
for machining operations.
[0051] Once securely held in place, the steering spindle 10 may be
fitted with alignment mandrels 100 and 102 which are retained in
the upper and lower spindle bores 18 and 20, respectively, with a
threaded alignment rod 104 secured on the mandrels by a pair of
nuts 106, as shown in FIG. 2. Threaded alignment rod 104 is
inserted through the upper and lower spindle bores 18 and 20 with
clamping members 108 and 110 disposed between the upper and lower
spindle arms 14 and 16. Alignment mandrels 100 and 102 are placed
on the alignment rod 104 such that their frustoconical portions
extend into their respective upper and lower spindle bores 18 and
20. Once in position, nuts 106 are threaded onto threaded alignment
rod 104 and securely tightened to align the alignment mandrels 100
and 102 with their respective bores. The frustoconical portions of
the alignment mandrels align the mandrels with the spindle
bores.
[0052] Once the alignment mandrels 100 and 102 are secured in the
alignment bores, the drill fixture 112 and bearing fixture 114 can
be clamped to the upper and lower spindle arms 14 and 16 while
being aligned therewith, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Specifically,
drill fixture 112 has an alignment aperture 118 which is placed
over the upper alignment mandrel 100 thereby aligning the drill
fixture concentrically with the upper spindle bore 18. Once in
position, fasteners 120 are placed through the clamping member 108
and screwed into threaded holes 124. Similarly, the fasteners 128
are placed through clamping member 110 and screwed into threaded
holes 130 in the bearing fixture 114. Fasteners 120 and 128 are
tightened, thereby securely clamping the drill fixture 112 and
bearing fixture 114 in place.
[0053] Once the drill fixture 112 and bearing fixture 114 are
securely clamped in place, mandrels 100, 102, alignment rod 104,
and nuts 106 may be disassembled and removed, as shown in FIG. 5.
With reference to FIG. 6, the alignment bushing 148 may be
positioned in alignment aperture 118 to help align reamer 146,
which is connected to drill press 138. For example, drill press 138
may be placed onto drill mounting surface 116, however, the
magnetic base is left un-activated while the reamer 146 is
positioned in bushing 148 for concentric alignment with the bearing
bores. Once the reamer 146 is properly aligned in bushing 148,
magnetic base 140 is activated, thereby locking drill press 138 in
position for the machining operations. Once the drill base 140 is
locked in position on drill mounting surface 116, the drill chuck
142 may be raised in order to lift reamer 146 clear of bushing 148,
which is now removed.
[0054] Next, with reference to FIG. 7, bearing insert 160 along
with bearing 162 is installed in the bearing aperture 136. Bearing
insert 160 is retained in position by threading set screws 164 into
the bearing fixture 114. Arbor shaft 150 is inserted through
bearing 162 and threaded into modified arbor 144. Thus, reamer 146
is piloted with respect to the upper and lower spindle bores. At
this point, the drill press may be operated in order to machine the
upper spindle bore 18.
[0055] Once the upper spindle bore 18 has been machined, the
process moves to the lower spindle bore 20. In some cases, the
stroke of the drill press will not allow access to the lower bore.
As such, the reamer must be extended from the drill press. With
reference to FIG. 9, an arbor extension 170 is placed between the
drill chuck 142 and the arbor 144. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 9,
the drill press may be operated to machine the lower bore
concentric to the upper bore. Once both of the upper and lower
spindle bores have been machined, the drill press 138 may be
removed from the drill fixture and drill, the drill fixture and
bearing fixtures may be disassembled from the spindle. Once the
repair kit has been removed from the spindle, the repaired spindle
may be fitted with new oversized bushings and reinstalled on the
vehicle. In one embodiment, oversized bushings are installed
without the use of separate inserts, which allows for less material
removal from the spindle bores. Thus, the strength of the spindle
is maintained. In other embodiments, the spindle repair kit may be
used to machine the spindle bores to receive separate inserts along
with bushings.
[0056] FIG. 10 is illustrative of another typical prior art kingpin
type steering spindle 30. Steering spindle 30 is similar to that
described above with respect to FIG. 1 and includes a wheel spindle
32 connected to upper spindle arm 34 and lower spindle arm 36. Each
spindle arm includes a spindle bore. For example, upper spindle arm
34 includes upper spindle bore 38 and lower spindle arm 36 includes
lower spindle bore 40. In this case, each spindle bore includes end
cap threads 46. End cap threads 46 are positioned on the outside of
the upper and lower spindle bores. These threads facilitate the
installation of end caps which are used for retaining grease and to
provide lubrication to the kingpin. Due to the internal threads on
the spindle bores (i.e., end cap threads 46) the alignment mandrels
potentially will not seat concentric to the spindle bores because
the end cap threads 46 are not always concentric to the upper and
lower spindle bores. As shown, each spindle bore includes an outer
machined surface in the form of outer spot face 42 and an inner
machined surface in the form of inner spot face 44. Although spot
faced machined surfaces are shown in the figure, other suitable
machined surfaces may be provided on the spindle from the
manufacturer of the spindle.
[0057] With reference to FIG. 11, a pair of alignment mandrels 200
and 202 are positioned in the upper and lower spindle bores 38 and
40 respectively. Mandrels 200 and 202 are retained in the spindle
bores by an alignment rod 204 that is operative to retain the
mandrels in their respective bores. In this embodiment, the
alignment rod includes a threaded portion 212 and a machined
portion 214. The alignment rod 204 is secured to the mandrels 200
and 202 by a pair of jam nuts 206 which are threaded onto the
threaded portion 212. Jam nuts 206 are tightened against their
respective mandrels 200 and 202 thereby urging the mandrels into
their respective spindle bores. Turning to FIG. 12, each mandrel,
such as mandrel 200 shown in FIG. 12, includes a frustoconical
portion 208 that self-aligns with the bore diameter of the spindle
bores. Mandrel 200 also includes wrench flats 210 to facilitate
tightening the jam nuts 206 against the mandrel.
[0058] Once the alignment mandrels are positioned onto the upper
and lower spindle bores, the drill fixture and bearing fixture can
be attached to the steering spindle 30. As shown in FIG. 13, drill
fixture 216 is positioned onto upper spindle arm 34 and clamped in
position by clamping member 220. Similarly bearing fixture 218 is
positioned on lower spindle arm 36 and clamped in position by
clamping member 222. An outer spacer ring 230 is positioned between
drill fixture 216 and upper spindle arm 34. Spacer ring 230 is
configured to mate with outer spot face 42, or other similar faces,
of upper spindle arm 34 (see FIG. 10). Spacer ring 230 provides a
parallel interface between drill fixture 216 and upper spindle arm
34. In this way the drill fixture 216 is held parallel to the
machined surfaces and perpendicular to the spindle bores without
interfering with the uneven surfaces of the cast steering
spindle.
[0059] Each clamping member 220 and 222 are similarly spaced from
the inside of their respective steering spindle arms by an inner
spacer ring 226 and 224, respectively. Inner spacer rings 226 and
224 mate with inner spot face surfaces 44, or other similar faces
(see FIG. 10). Clamping members 220 and 222 are in the form of C
channels that provides structural rigidity against the clamping
forces of fasteners 228. Outer spacer ring 232 is positioned
between bearing fixture 218 and lower spindle arm 36. Similar to
spacer ring 230, outer spacer ring 232 is configured to mate with
the outer spot face 42, or other similar faces, of the lower
spindle arm 36. Bearing fixture 218 carries bearing insert 240. It
should be appreciated at this point that alignment rod 204 provides
the alignment surfaces to position the bearing insert 240 and the
drill press 138 concentric with the upper and lower spindle bores
38 and 40. Accordingly, alignment rod 204 has a tightly toleranced
fit with the alignment mandrels 200 and 202. Thus, the threaded
portion 212 of alignment rod 204 is preferably a tightly toleranced
component and in some embodiments includes square threads. Square
threads provide a cylindrical surface which mates with the mandrels
and with the bearing fixture. ACME.degree. threaded rod is an
example of a suitable alignment rod material.
[0060] Once the drill fixture 216 and bearing fixture 218 are
securely mounted in position, the drill press is placed onto drill
mounting surface 217 and the spindle of the drill press is aligned
to the machined portion 214 of alignment rod 204. As show in FIG.
14, once the drill press is securely mounted to the drill mounting
surface 217 the alignment rod 204, mandrels 200 and 202, as well as
jam nuts 206 may be removed.
[0061] Lower bearing fixture 218 receives bearing insert 240.
Bearing insert 240 includes a bearing holder 242 that receives a
bearing or hardened drill guide 244. Bearing holder 242 is inserted
into bearing aperture 219 and is secured to the lower bearing
fixture 218 by suitable fasteners. For example, threaded fasteners
may extend through mounting aperture 246 and thread into lower
bearing fixture threaded holes 250. In order to precisely align the
bearing insert 240 with the lower bearing fixture 218, the bearing
holder can be positioned with alignment pins inserted through pin
aperture 248 and hole 252.
[0062] With reference to FIG. 16, once the alignment mandrel and
alignment rod are removed from the fixture, arbor shaft 234 may be
installed into bearing insert 240 and secured to the spindle of the
drill press. At this point the fixture may now be further
configured to machine the upper and lower bores as described above
with respect to FIGS. 7-9. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 17,
drill press 138 may be fitted with a Morse taper arbor 270 which
carries reamer 266. In this configuration, the drill press is ready
to machine the upper spindle bore. As shown in FIG. 18, the fixture
may be configured with a Morse taper arbor extension 272 which
carries the Morse taper arbor 270 which in turn carries the reamer
266. In this configuration, the drill press is positioned to
machine the lower spindle bore.
[0063] FIG. 19 illustrates another embodiment of the bearing repair
kit including an upper bearing fixture 260. Upper bearing fixture
260 is mounted to the drill fixture 216. Upper bearing fixture 260
is configured to receive a bearing insert 240 such as that
described above with respect to FIG. 15. Alignment rod 205 is sized
to extend between the upper bearing insert 240 and lower bearing
insert 240 positioned in the lower bearing fixture 218. As shown in
FIG. 20 the alignment rod 205 is replaced by drill rod shaft 262.
Drill rod shaft 262 carries reamer 266 which may be configured to
machine the upper spindle bore and the lower spindle bore. Drill
press 138 connects to drill rod shaft 262 via a universal joint
264. Thus, in this embodiment, alignment of drill press 138 is not
as critical due to the tolerance provided by universal joint 264.
As shown in FIG. 20, the kit is configured with reamer 266 within
the upper bearing fixture for machining the upper spindle bore. As
shown in FIG. 21 reamer 266 is positioned so that the lower bore
may be machined. As shown in FIG. 22 reamer 266 is retained in
position along drill rod shaft 262 by a pair of collars 268. Reamer
266 is pinned to collars 268 thereby coupling the reamer 266 to the
drill rod shaft 262 for rotation therewith.
[0064] In an embodiment, the spindle bore repair kit includes the
alignment mandrels 200, 202, an alignment rod 204, the necessary
nuts and screws for clamping the drill fixture 216, bearing fixture
218 and clamping members 220, 222 together. The kit can also
include the spacer rings 230, 232, 224, 226, drill rod 234, bearing
holder 242 as well as bearing 244. The kit can also include the
arbor shaft 270 and arbor extension 272. In other embodiments, the
kit will also include an appropriately sized reamer 266, and in
still further embodiments the kit may also include a drill press
such as magnetic drill press 138 described above.
[0065] Also disclosed herein are methods for repairing a spindle
having first and second spindle bores. In an embodiment, the method
comprises positioning alignment mandrels in each of the first and
second spindle bores. An alignment aperture of a drill fixture is
positioned about one of the mandrels and is retained in position
with respect to the spindle. Once the drill fixture is retained in
position, the mandrels are removed from the first and second
spindle bores. A reamer is connected to a drill which is mounted to
the drill fixture while it is aligned with the alignment aperture.
Once aligned and secured, the drill is operated to repair at least
one of the first and second spindle bores. In other embodiments,
the method includes positioning a bearing aperture of a bearing
fixture about one of the mandrels and retaining the bearing fixture
in position with respect to the spindle. The method may also
comprise connecting the reamer to the drill with an arbor. The
method may further comprise mounting a bearing in the bearing
aperture and inserting an arbor shaft through the bearing, wherein
the arbor shaft is connected to the arbor. In other embodiments,
the method includes installing an arbor extension between the drill
and arbor and operating the drill to repair the second spindle
bore. In still further embodiments, the method comprises piloting
the reamer in relation to both the first and second spindle bores.
The reamer may be piloted with respect to first and second spindle
bores with an alignment bushing disposed in the alignment aperture
of the drill fixture and the reamer is piloted with respect to the
second spindle bore by a bearing positioned concentric to the
second bore in a shaft extending away from the reamer and through
the bearing.
[0066] In another embodiment, the method comprises positioning an
alignment mandrel in each of the first and second spindle bores.
The alignment mandrels are temporarily retained in their respective
spindle bores with an alignment rod. An alignment aperture of a
bearing fixture is positioned about the alignment rod and retaining
the bearing fixture in position with respect to the spindle. A
drill fixture is retained in position with respect to the spindle.
A drill is mounted to the drill fixture while aligning the drill
with the alignment rod. The mandrels and the alignment rod are
subsequently removed from the first and second spindle bores. A
reamer is connected to the drill and the drill is operated to
repair at least one of the first and second spindle bores.
[0067] From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although
specific embodiments of the technology have been described herein
for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made
without deviating from the spirit and scope of the technology.
Further, certain aspects of the new technology described in the
context of particular embodiments may be combined or eliminated in
other embodiments. Moreover, while advantages associated with
certain embodiments of the technology have been described in the
context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit
such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit
such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology.
Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompass
other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein. Thus,
the disclosure is not limited except as by the appended claims.
* * * * *